Universal Expansion: Faster Than Light?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of universal expansion, specifically addressing the idea that the universe may be expanding faster than the speed of light. Participants explore the implications of this phenomenon, the measurements of universal expansion, and alternative interpretations of redshift and distance relationships in cosmology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that it is generally accepted that the universe is expanding and that this expansion can exceed the speed of light.
  • One participant suggests an alternative view that the universe is "exploding," linking the redshift of distant galaxies to this concept, while questioning the conventional understanding attributed to Hubble.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about how universal expansion is measured, indicating a lack of clarity on the topic.
  • A participant mentions that conventional cosmologists have explanations for the observed expansion rates, implying that there is a broader consensus on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of universal expansion or the implications of redshift. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain present in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about redshift and the measurements of universal expansion, as well as the dependence on interpretations of Hubble's work.

CBJammin103
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As far as I know it's generally accepted that the entire universe is expanding; however, I recall hearing or reading that as far as we can observe, it is expanding faster than the speed of light.

How is this possible? Assuming that it is in fact expanding faster than the speed of light, of course. I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure I remember hearing that somewhere.
 
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CBJammin103 said:
As far as I know it's generally accepted that the entire universe is expanding; however, I recall hearing or reading that as far as we can observe, it is expanding faster than the speed of light.

How is this possible? Assuming that it is in fact expanding faster than the speed of light, of course. I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure I remember hearing that somewhere.
You will hear from conventional cosmologists that the universe can expand so fast that there is no problem with any observed expansion that is apparently faster than the speed of light. If you'd like the grand tour, just be persistent and it will be forthcoming.

My personal view of physics contains an alternate route, branching at the distance/redshift relationtionship often attributed to Hubble, but never embraced or endorsed by him. Namely, the concept that the universe must be exploding because the farther galaxies are, the more they are redshifted.

It is entirely possible that light can be redshifted by traveling long distances, interacting with transmissive media etc, etc. Hubble was open to this - more recent folks are not.
 
You will hear from conventional cosmologists that the universe can expand so fast that there is no problem with any observed expansion that is apparently faster than the speed of light. If you'd like the grand tour, just be persistent and it will be forthcoming.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this...?

I guess I'm not too sure on how we can measure universal expansion in the first place though.
 
Check back a few pages to here . It should clarify things. If not, there are a few other threads kicking about that deal with the same thing.
 

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